Romance at Heart Magazine Author Interview: Lesley Anne McLeod

Interview with Lesley Anne McLeod:

Hi Lesley Anne. Thank you for doing this interview. I would like to welcome you to the Romance at Heart Interview and Author Grilling session. *bg* We are interested to find out as much about you as we possibly can, so lets get started...

- Please tell us about your latest book.

Three Wise Monkeys was published on September 22, 2006. It can be accessed at www.awe-struck.net Here is a brief description:

The 'three wise monkeys' are three well-born young people - Louisa, Susan and James - and they are making their debut in the high society of Regency London. Their wisdom -- see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil -- however is questionable as they encounter the 'beau monde'. And society is not prepared for them; their energy and their adventures are prodigious. The Marquess of Cheriton is the only one who can control his brother, James and his sister, Susan. Their friend, Louisa Rainley, he cannot manage at all, for he's falling in love with her! And, against her better judgment -- for she has loved him before -- she is learning to love him again. There is no wisdom, she is convinced, in that.

- What can we expect from you in the future?

I have a book contracted with Awe-Struck E-Books for 2007. It is titled "The Disadvantaged Gentleman" and I am working on it daily!

- How do we find out about you and your books?

The best source is my website at: www.lesleyannemcleod.com/

- How may readers contact you?

At either lesley_anne_mcleod@hotmail.com or regencyauthor@aim.com

- Why did you decide to write romance novels?

I decided to write romance novels when I couldn't find any more that I wanted to read. I had story ideas that I liked and I decided to write them down!

- Generally, how long does it take you to write a book?

It used to take years, but now it takes about one year--with breaks for 'mulling' and 'refreshing'.

- Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow?

I try to write every day or, at least on the weekends, do something involved with my writing, perhaps website update or promotion.

- What kind of research do you do?

I do a great deal of research; I consider it a necessity as I write historical fiction. I have my own research library--probably about two hundred books. As I write about a different country (Great Britain) I need to know all kinds of details about the land as well as its history.

- Would you like to write a different genre than you do now, or sub-genre?

I have written some sci-fi which I have not tried to publish. I do expect to write other historical romances--westerns and late Victorians--when my Regency flow stalls.

- What does your husband/wife think of your writing?

My husband and daughter are totally supportive of my writing. It was my husband's encouragement that caused me to submit to Awe-Struck E-Books.

- Do you ever ask him/her for advice?

Frequently! And my daughter is a great first reader and editor.

- What are some of your favorite things to do?

My favourite thing to do is reading! I guess that's not a surprise. I also enjoy needlework and sewing and gardening. I build dollhouses and love making quilts.

- Do you have a favorite author? Favorite book?

My all time favourite Regency is probably 'Deidre and Don Juan' by Jo Beverley.

- Who are some of your other favorite authors to read?

Georgette Heyer, of course. Carla Kelly, Patricia Veryan and Dorothy Dunnett--all very different, all wonderful.

- Are you a member of any author groups - RWA, critique groups, etc.?

I am a member of a local writers' group, and must credit them with terrific support and encouragement.

- How long have you been writing - have you always wanted to be a writer?

I've been writing for about thirty years. I never really thought about writing as a career, even when my grade nine English teacher said I should!

- Among your own books, have you a favorite book? Favorite hero or heroine?

I think The Rake's Reflection is still my favourite book--and the rake my favourite hero. He is so very weary and ready for change and love.

- What book for you has been the easiest to write? The hardest? The most fun?

Three Wise Monkeys was definitely the most fun; the 'monkeys' have such wonderful adventures. Clemmie's Major was the easiest because I loved, and still love, Gideon Rhyle the hero. And Daughter of Trade the hardest. There is something about a very young, very nice hero that is difficult to write.

- Which comes first, the story, the characters or the setting?

Ideas usually come to me with a 'what if such and such happened to such and such a person'. So I guess it's a little of all three!

- Are you in control of your characters or do they control you?

Characters always have their own minds and their own ideas of what they want to do. If something isn't working, it's because I'm not tuned in to my characters.

- What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?

The most rewarding thing about being a writer is having someone enjoy your story. If I can give someone a break from the ordinariness of their life, give them a glimpse of another world then I've done my job.

Thank you very much for taking the time with us and answering our questions. I really appreciate this interruption to your busy schedule. Good Luck, and we will be looking forward to the next delightful creation from your talented imagination!

Yours in good reading,
Rose!

Lesley-Anne's Website Her Publisher Interview Review
Buy Lesley Anne's Books At Amazon
Buy Lesley Anne's Books at Awe-Struck
Buy Lesley Anne's Books at Uncial Press.